Witnesses

At 3.30 pm

Sir Harold Evans

Sir Harold Evans has a long and distinguished career in journalism. In particular, as then Editor of the Sunday Times, he was personally involved in approving the undertakings made in relation to The Times and Sunday Times at the time of their sale in 1981. The Committee will put questions to him on the effectiveness of such undertakings – a matter on which he has expressed some doubt – particularly in light of the recent confirmation made by the Independent National Directors of the appointments of new editors at those titles. The Committee will also explore a range of other questions arising from debates on media plurality, drawing on Sir Harold Evans’ unique perspective and wider experience in the media.

At 4.30 pm

Ms Meredith Alexander, Campaigns Director, Avaaz

Professor Des Freedman, Dept of Media and Communications, Goldsmiths, University of London, and Chair of the Media Reform Coalition

Dr Justin Schlosberg, Dept of Media and Cultural Studies, Birkbeck, University of London, and co-founder of the Media Reform Coalition

The Committee will interrogate the proposals for reform to plurality policy made by The Media Reform Coalition and Avaaz. While distinct, their proposals include common elements such as a 20% cap on the permissible share of any one commercial entity in designated media markets, such as newspapers, radio, television. The Committee will seek to clarify these proposals and to explore some of the arguments which have been made for and against them during the course of this inquiry.

The evidence sessions will take place on Tuesday 22 October from 3.30 pm in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords.